Episode 32 - This World Is Not a Place of Reward

You will tire if you resist this truth, and no matter how much you dominate it, it will remain the truth.. This world is not a place of reward. If it were a place of reward, then prophets like Zakariya and Yahya (peace be upon them) would not have been killed, and companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) like Yasir and Sumayyah would not have been tortured to death without seeing the establishment of Islam, and the people of the ditch would not have suffered what they did.

Therefore, when you reflect on the benefits of trials, do not limit your perspective to their worldly aspects.. The soul always seeks an immediate reward: {But you prefer the life of this world, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring} [Al-A'la: 16-17].

And if the awaited relief does not come until death, then the story is not over {And in the Hereafter is a severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And the life of this world is not but the enjoyment of delusion} [Al-Hadid: 20].

Allah has refuted the narrow-minded view that considers the abundance of blessings in this world as an honor from Allah to man and trials as an insult: {But as for man, when his Lord tests him by conferring favor upon him and blessing him, he says, 'My Lord has honored me.' And as for when He tests him by restricting his provision, he says, 'My Lord has humiliated me.' No!} [Al-Fajr: 15-17].. For indeed, honor and humiliation are in the Hereafter, while this world is a place of trial. In the story of Yusuf (peace be upon him), after Allah showed that He had enabled him in the land as a reward for his goodness, He said {And the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believe and fear Allah} [Yusuf: 57].. Better than transferring him from the darkness of prison to the throne of rule. So even if you are rewarded well in this world, attach your heart to the greater reward of the Hereafter.

In the second Pledge of Aqaba, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) took from the Ansar a commitment to sacrifice everything.. A commitment that would expose them to trials in their souls, wealth, and children.. So what was the reward they were promised if they accepted?: ((For you is Paradise)).. The reward is otherworldly.. It is true that other texts promised a worldly reward as well (such as verse 55 of Surah An-Nur).. But this reward is on the level of the community of believers, whereas many individuals among them died without enjoying it..

And there remains a type of bliss that Allah grants to every believer promptly in this world as an aid to help him walk the path with its derivatives; it is the tranquility of the soul and the good news: {Indeed, the allies of Allah will not fear, nor will they grieve. Those who believe and fear Allah - for them is good tidings in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. There is no change in the words of Allah. That is the great success} [Yunus: 62-64]..

If this concept does not settle in the heart of the Muslim: that (this world is not a place of reward), then his thoughts will be corrupted when he compares his worldly condition with the conditions of those who do not believe in Allah.. Therefore, Allah has forbidden us from making these worldly comparisons: {And do not extend your eyes toward what We have given for enjoyment to [some of] the people of adornment of the life of this world, that We may test them thereby. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring} [Ta-Ha: 131].. So raise your head to the sky, O believer, and expose yourself to the breezes of Paradise, and do not lower your gaze to what is with them, for it is only a temptation and a snare for them. He (peace be upon him) said: ((Those are people for whom the good things of this world have been hastened)) (Al-Bukhari).

And from what was reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him): (Whoever does not seek comfort in the comfort of the Hereafter, his soul will be cut off from the world with regrets).. Yes! He will regret every worldly enjoyment that he misses, especially if he compares himself to others.. As for the believer, he is certain that what he misses in this world has been stored for him tenfold in the Hereafter: {Say, 'The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allah. And you will not be wronged, [even] as much as a thread} [An-Nisa': 77].. And that the payment of rewards will only be on the Day of Resurrection: {And you will only be paid in full your rewards on the Day of Resurrection} [Al-Imran: 185]..